Planning and Preparation
More and more I have students who would like a lay out of their exact assignments weeks in advance. Some want to plan vacations others just don't like to wait to the last minute. Is this effective when trying to keep the student engaged in the learning process?
I have to say no. I have had experiance that has showen that some students that have all the assignments ahead of time will rush thru them and will complete everything the first two weeks, and then they will have nothing to do for the rest of the term. While on the other hand you have the students that are just sliding by and are having enough trouble getting the current days assignments done and the though of having it all at once is just a huge stress.
Antonio,
In my opinion you can't remind students too much about upcoming due dates. The use of the different reminders like Outlook or Blackboard help keep the coming due dates in their minds.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree some students will be totally engaged in the course and make sure they turn assignments in on time. Others will need more direction. I always use our calendar linked to outlook that students can access with due dates on quizzes. I also include homework due dates and links to the assignments so they can email it to me.
Roger,
Sounds like my students at times. No matter how many ways I present the information about expectations and deadlines some of the students are still surprised when due dates are announced. We do have to keep this information in front of them to remind them that yes there is a due date and it is soon.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
After 10 years of teaching I also use a calender and syllabus. However, students don't always read or follow along. I always write the days agenda from the syllabus on the whiteboard. This will help when changes are needed.
I believe by having the assignments available in advance not only helps adult students but also the instructors. It enables students to ask questions about the assignment prior to the due date and gives the instructor the ability to modify the assignment to ensure it applies to the lessons.
I certainly agree. It also helps the students with their own personal time management.
Michelle,
Good learning experience for you. You don't want to paint yourself into a corner so build in some flexibility just as you are planning on doing. Experience is a great teacher of things like this. Don't be afraid to make changes and always be on the lookout for learning opportunities. You have a great start as an educator and I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a new instructor, I am still getting a feel for how long it will take to cover certain topics in class. Last term, I created a course calendar and let the students know from day one what we would be discussing in class each day, when I would give tests and quizzes, etc. But I found that it was difficult for me to stick to such a rigid schedule! Some days I wasn't able to cover what I had planned to cover, and I found myself trying to play catch-up. Until I gain more experience in teaching, I will probably give the students a more general course calendar so that I have some flexibility in how the course is paced.
JoAnne,
I think this is a good way to inform the students. I always give my students a calendar listing the specific dates, including when projects are due and tests will be given. This really helps the students to see the big course picture.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that having assignments planned ahead for the entire session are great. The students will already be well informed on what will be the topic and will have many questions ready. I would suggest creating a calendar that give dates and topics for the course.
Especially adult learners who have to take care of many other areas of life at the same time need to plan according to their time availability. Letting students know about assignment due dates, exam dates etc keeps the course organized both for the instructor and the students
Nataya,
Due dates and descriptions of assignments are good to have laid out for the students for the entire class session. Create a class calendar that give dates and topics for the course. Having this information will not change student engagement for those that are focused on the course. For those that don't care nothing will make a difference.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
